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Thread: Cracks in Blue Gum
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20th December 2008, 08:14 PM #1
Wandering in search of timber
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Cracks in Blue Gum
When we were up the Gap 3 weeks ago I scored quite a few forks of Blue Gum. I sealed the ends and stacked them until I had time to rough turn them. I got a bit side tracked with pens and other Xmas gifts, and a new circle blank cutting jig for the bandsaw based on 's design, so didn't get to look at them until this afternoon.
All of the forks have cracked similar to the first photo. I rapidly got the sealer out and sealed all the cut faces as it may still be a while before I can rough turn all the blanks, you can also see the cracks under the sealer. Learning - seal all the cut faces in large blanks from now on, not just end grain.
I haven't had such big cracks before in forks, only small ones. So is this a common problem with Blue Gum, or is it due to the stresses from the tree (storm + being moved/broken by an excavator), or just bad luck?
CheersNeil____________________________________________Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new
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20th December 2008, 09:15 PM #2
Toolmaker Extraordinaire
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Yeah it'll do that, nothing you can do about it
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21st December 2008, 07:36 AM #3
Lignum Vexator
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The Syd blue gum I had did that as well - goes with the territory I believe
Seemed to crack and s[lit as I looked at it
even rough turned wet bowls twisted and split
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28th December 2008, 10:24 AM #4
Sawblade Swinger
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Neil, that's the nature of figured bluegum, she'll do it to you with or without your sealers.
The crack shown in the pic more than likley runs with the heart, is that right? if so this crack is just about impossible to stop. As it runs with the grain and hasn't 'sheared' any grain its very unlikely to have been caused by the storm or excavator - both would have torn across grain lines.
What you have there is a classic quick loss of moisture, be prepared for more...I love my Lucas!! ...just ask me!
Allan.
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28th December 2008, 12:06 PM #5
Wandering in search of timber
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Yeh the cracks are in line with the heart. I am rough turning them as fast as I can, then coating them again in sealer. Most of the cracks turned out, but I'm sure I will probably get more, so will deal with them when I finish turn them in a year or so.
It has only been a few weeks, but the Blue Gum is already dried out a fair bit and hard work to turn, especially with such big blanks and the lathe spinning on the slowest setting
. I have 2 big ones, good enough for ~600mm dia I was going to keep for my future Stubby (a guy can dream can't he), but I think they will be too hard to turn by then.
Anyone with a big lathe interested in some really big bowl blanks travelling my way?Neil____________________________________________Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new
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28th December 2008, 12:50 PM #6
sawmiller
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blue gum is a real basturd like that.
it cracks like buggery and bows incredibly when milled.
you saw how quick it split when you were cutting it.
www.carlweiss.com.au
Mobile Sawmilling & Logging Service
8" & 10" Lucas Mills, bobcat, 4wd tractor, 12 ton dozer, stihl saws.
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28th December 2008, 02:02 PM #7
Wandering in search of timber
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Yeh, anyone would think it was Scribbly Gum the way it cracked.
Originally Posted by weisyboy
Neil____________________________________________Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new
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28th December 2008, 02:20 PM #8
sawmiller
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yep its one of those self splitting firewood species.
www.carlweiss.com.au
Mobile Sawmilling & Logging Service
8" & 10" Lucas Mills, bobcat, 4wd tractor, 12 ton dozer, stihl saws.
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